I can't believe we've made it to Day 40 of 40 Days of Love! Thank you for sharing this time with me. This won't be the last time you hear from me, check back every Tuesday where I'll share more love with you. Until then, I hope you're heart and life is filled with more love.

And on that note...

Did you know that we have many soul-mates? There’s a misconception that we only have one soul-mate, which is a stigma around soul-mates I would like to heal. I've known about soul-mates since I was very young but it wasn't until I was in my 20s that I realized we have more than one. Before we get into the different types of soul-mates we all have, I want to tell you my soul-mate story. It’s not what you’re thinking, it’s not a romantic boy meets girl love story. It’s not even romantic. No my soul-mate that I would like to talk about is my companion soul-mate. I hope you’ll indulge me for a few paragraphs before we get into the podcast and soulmate explanation and today's giveaway.

When I was around three years old, I wanted to meet my soul-mate. My hope was we would meet with we were young, fall in love and then grow old together. I didn’t meet him but I did meet my soulmate…or that is to say, one of my soulmates when I was 10 years old.

Her name was Kelly. We were opposites as well as we balanced each other perfectly. We bonded over our weirdness and obsessive romantic thoughts, our ability to eat lots of food, and a love of music and theater. We certainly had a flair for the dramatic. We would spend our pre-teen and teenager years getting into trouble and as well as being quirky, discovering quotes that inspired us, Kelly gleamed as she quoted Shakespeare “My love is as boundless as the sea. The more I give the more I get from thee" “I’m going to put this in the quote book” she began copying the words down onto the recycled sheets with flowers embedded into the thick paper.

“Oh that’s a good one. Yes! Write that one down.” I gleamed back. “Let’s find more.” Just a couple of hopeless romantics.

You see we did all the romantic things with each other before we ever had a chance to with a boyfriend, except these activities weren’t romantic to us. It’s just who we were and how we wanted to be. We were young, naïve and joyful we had someone to share our inner most worlds with.

Kelly dipping Dorothy with roses in their mouths because why not.

We had "our song" that we discovered at about 13 years old from the movie Boys on the Side. "You got it" We would sing this song to each other whenever the other was down...and we still do. This song still makes me cry. We happily sacrificed for each other. Really, it wasn’t a sacrifice for either of us. We took care of each other. When she had back surgery, she wasn't able to shower or move much for quite some time. So, I went over to her house, washed her hair and gave her a mini massage to make her feel better. Often on Saturday nights, I wasn't allowed to go out with all our friends but she would stay behind with me. We would have ice cream, eat BBQ chips, watch movies and play with each other's hair. We weren't resentful of the other. We were a mini team. It was pure love why we did what we did for each other. It was easy to do. It was always a no-brainer. We made plans to grow old together before we were teenagers. Planning to sit on rocking chairs on our front porch and watch our grandchildren play. We had big plans for our lives. We would travel the world together. Get married at the same time. Have children at the same time. And Maybe our children would get married to each other! Yes, lots and lots of big plans. That’s what most girls do before they enter the real world.

Best friends for over 20 years and counting, Kelly Miller & Dorothy Stover. Photo by Charlotte Carey Photography

As we all know, The real world is different and can be harsh for two hopeless romantics. We've made it through highs and lows and always have come out together, stronger. I can't imagine my world without her. I got my three-year-old-self wish. For the past 20+ years, I have been able to grow and I am growing older with my soul-mate. It's not a guy like I thought my soul mate would or should be but my best friend whom supports, encourages me and loves me for me. If that's not lucky, I don't know what is!

Soul-mates are not exactly what you think they are. Today’s podcast Kelly and I discuss soul-mates and the different kinds we all have. Listen to the end for our challenge. We hope this challenge will improve your relationships and make your life happier and more peaceful!

Today's Giveaway is a Partner Yoga Session with me. This session is all about connecting with the other person, having fun and enjoying the simple pleasures in life! It's for all levels, even those that have never practiced before. Great for mother/daughters, Romantic relationships, A date night, or Friend weekend. I have been told by my clients that the partner sessions were so much fun and better than therapy. To be entered to win, share this post on social media or comment below which type of soul-mate you have in your life right now. Make sure to share this post with your soul-mate or anyone else you think would appreciate it.

We are lucky enough to know and love several photographers, all of whom create stunning images, excel at their craft and are amazing people to boot. One of those absolutely fantastic people is Maria Carey, of Charlotte Carey Photography. Maria has brought an endless amount of love and joy to us and to her other clients. She truly brings out the best in everyone, and she makes you feel empowered to be you!

Let us share with you what we know about Maria. She is a caregiver, an animal lover, super smart, works in the medical field, and pursues her passion for photographing individuals, families, children and animals. She is a Scorpio, which means her love and passions run deep, and she is empathetic and intuitive by nature. These qualities are especially evident as she works her magic to bring out the best in those she photographs, as well as when she cares for her patients at the hospital. In short, Maria shines her light brightly, and she allows those around her to shine as well. In fact, she gives them a platform to shine. Prior to a session with her, Maria gets to know you a bit. Before you know it, it's as if she's gotten a glimpse of your soul, and she's formulated an idea of how she is going to translate it into beautiful images. Her energy and positivity are infectious, and you can't help but smile and have fun!

We would love for you to check out her website HERE where you can enjoy a sampling of her work. Then, come back here and leave a comment telling us something you love about her or her work. That comment will enter you to win today's giveaway, which is a mini headshot session with Maria, or what others have called an 'empowerment photoshoot'! It's unlike any headshot you'll ever have witnessed. Her clients don't necessarily need headshots for a professional reason, but man do they feel their best afterwards! When they receive the photos, they are beyond excited because of how wonderful Maria has made them feel just to be themselves. We can speak from experience. We cried when we saw the fabulous moments she captured of our best friend photoshoot. She is so very talented, and we love her so!

See for yourself why we love her so much! Here's a favorite memory from the best friend photoshoot we had, as well as the headshots of each of us. So happy! So very grateful for these memories!

I love to read! Now, with technology, I am able to read at a fairly normal pace. I'm dyslexic, so it can take me a wee bit longer to read than your average person. Sometimes I have to go over things a few times to understand or to actually be able to read what's on the page. I find reading is easier for me when done on my phone or tablet. Even with this challenge, I love to read. Knowledge, education and sheer entertainment are what fuels me to get past a fear of not understanding. I always have a few books in rotation at any given time. I love it! There is nothing like the love of a good book. "You know you’ve read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend." –Paul Sweeney

With the new year about to begin, I have a challenge for you. I want 2016 to be your greatest year yet! (And if you're reading this after 2016, I want whatever year you are in or about to be in, to be the greatest yet!) I think you can achieve this with some inspiration from certain books. Here is my 'Have the best year ever' reading list challenge. With these books, by 2017 you will have improved relationships, success, less stress, feel at peace, be balanced, have a heart full of love, feel heathy, exude passion, travel and be a goddess/god in the kitchen. In short, your best year ever! (A big thank you to Jason Bridges of The Handlebar Cafe, Nantucket Bike Tours and Social Bridge Consulting. Over the years he's suggested books for me to read and each one was a jem! There's at least two books off this list that I read because of him.)

January: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.

Almost everyone on this planet has interactions with people. It doesn't matter what you do for a living, this book will help in your day to day relationships in and out of the office.

February: The Power of Now by Eckart Tolle

This book was difficult for me to read, because I'm still working to fully grasp the concept of living in the now. It's not a 'just read once' kind of book. You could read this book a few times throughout the year and gain more insight each time. It's the perfect book for February, when many are thinking about romance, as this book will help you drop your ego. Ego is usually what's holding each of us back from happiness.

March: The Emotion Code By. Dr. Bradley Nelson

This book is easy to read and very helpful. It discusses and then demonstrates how we keep emotions in our body, and how that is usually the cause of the troubles within our lives, including diseases. The book gives an easy 'how to' on how we can easily discover and then release these trapped emotions.

April: The Happiness Trap by Russ Harris

This book is a great book to read over and over as well. It's going to piggyback off of the power of now, but it won't be as daunting to read. It really helps in gaining that whole mindfulness people keep talking about!

May: The Five Languages of Love by Gary Chapman

Everyone loves differently. When you discover how you express your love as well as how others around you express their love, you'll have a deeper understanding of how to interact as well as understand your relationship. This works for couples and singles alike.

Ok, so by now you should be having better relationships, and feeling more mindful in your everyday life. You're now ready to know how to handle any difficult conversation from work to romance to your family. If you've ever had an interaction with a human being, you should read this book.

July.: The Four Hour Workweek. By Tim Ferriss

It's July, it's time your life was more in balance so you can enjoy...life! This book helps you create the sought after work-life balance. We all know the key is to be productive. This book will help you do this! You'll end up getting more accomplished in four hours than most do in a week. This way you can enjoy your time with family, friends and playing on the beach.

August: Outlander. By Diana Gabaldon

Man or woman will love this book series! History, A strong female character and a main male character who is what I believe every man wants to be like. This will be the perfect laid back reading you've been looking for. You deserve it! You've done a lot of work these past few months, time to relax with some adventure, history and romance.

September: Within by Dr. Habib Sadeghi

Coming out of the summer for the Northern Hemisphere, or going into summer for the Southern Hemisphere, usually sparks the reminder to eat right and take care of your body. This book takes an approach that continues with the mindfulness theme we've had all year. You'll feel ready to take on the challenge of the new, healthy self-lovin' you!

October: The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

I believe that the past eight or so months have changed you and you're ready to take things to the next level. You're ready to make a promise to yourself and the world. You've become more mindful, your relationships have improved, you have balance in your life. Now it's time to make a full agreement with your heart and soul. This book will help you do so.

November: Comfort me with apples by Ruth Reichl

It's time to travel! Even if you can't physically leave wherever you are, this book will help you do so in your mind. Plus, much of the book takes place in the 1970s. Ruth has a way to her writing that makes you feel as though you are right there with her, experiencing the love, food, heartaches, and smelling the air and aromas. Incredible! Each chapter has an amazing recipe.

December: The Time Traveler's Gift by Andy Andrews

You've made it to the end of the year! Congrats! The Time Traveler's Gift is an easy, quick read that is going to help remind you of what you already know and have learned through this year. The book takes you to parts of history, and you are able to meet historic figures as they are about to embark on something great. They question themselves but they power through. This book will help you end the year right and feel empowered for the new year.

Share this challenge with whomever you think may benefit from seeing it. I also suggest picking up these books from your local book store or library. On Nantucket, we have two very wonderful book stores! Mitchells Book Corner and Bookworks. Check them off if you're on island. They are a slice of reading heaven.

Today's giveaway will be of my upcoming book, War on Love. This book is about my love lessons, mistakes, love stories and how I learned that the true war on love is an inner battle. My goal is to help you find the ultimate love in your life. When the book is released, you'll be the first to receive it! To enter to win, share this post or comment below mentioning a book you love or whether you prefer to read on a tablet or the old fashioned way, a paperback.

Peace, Love & Hugs!Dorothy

If you liked this post and would like more love sent to your email box, join the LoveLetter Here. It's Free! Just the way love should be.

It seems other average ladies like myself have figured out how to style their hair and how to make their hair stay styled. I am not one of those ladies. Im usually the girl that compliments a woman on her hair and secretly wants her to tell me how she does it. I am a fool when it comes to my locks. My hair has a mind of its own and I have no idea how to control it; sometimes it's curly, Sometimes it's straight, Something it's both at the same time...what the what! Super awkward, unruly, stubborn hair. I've watched plenty of YouTube videos on how to style ones hair but I always fall short. I know it may seem a stupid girl dream but I want to have hair in place and looking beautiful...like I just stepped out of a salon. I think this stems from having a Dorothy Hamel haircut for most of my childhood. My mother not allowing me to have long hair because and I quote "Your face is too small for long hair. We can't see you behind all that hair." Not that I don't love my hair, I'm very lucky. I have a beautiful mop on my head. Still, it would be nice to have the good hair days I seem to see all over town. That feeling of bad hair days changed when I received a sample from Sephora for Phd. Which stands for Perfect Hair Day by Living Proof. Unflipping-believable! I tried it out. The PHD products claim the following on their website;

delivers the five benefits for a perfect hair day in one easy step- smoothness, volume, conditioning, strength and polish

styles and treats without compromising one for the other

keeps your style cleaner, longer

reduces breakage by 78%, making hair 4.5x stronger

So, I washed my hair with the shampoo and conditioner and then used the phd 5in1. I blow dried my hair and low and behold! I had a good hair day! Plus, it stays styled, looks awesome and lasts for days. I'm feeling proud of myself because I styled my hair almost as well as getting a blowout. The name says it all, Perfect Hair Day. Now, it doesn't all seem like a distant fantasy and almost effortlessly! If you want to try the shampoo, conditioner and other products for yourself, just go into Sephora and ask for some samples. You can thank me later.

Here are photos of my hair over the course of three days and on the fourth day, I will either wash my hair or just braid it or put it up in a bun. Four days is how long a blowout will last for me. Usually my hair gets very greasy plus I am active but dry shampoo helps with that. These photos I didn't use any hair powder. If I did, I would have gained some volume. Disclaimer: I do shower on a regular basis, I just don't wash my hair everyday. 2-3 times a week. And I'm not being paid to tell you about these products or any other products I talk about. If I love something, I want others to fall in love with it as well. These products makes having good hair days easy so that you have more time to do the things you want. No more worrying. I've been using these products for months now and I love the results. Also, a little bit goes a long way. I have the travel size bottles and it's been six months. My hair is long and thick but fine. If I had to describe my hair I would say I have baby mermaid hair.

First day after washing and styling my hair with Living Proofs PHD. Loving my hair and this is after a workout!

Day 2. I woke up like this. No seriously, I woke up and took a selfie. Hair has some curl to it.

Day 3. Hair is calming down and I am still very pleased with it!

If you're interested in checking out PHD for yourself plus, I just discovered on their website videos on how to style ones hair, click here for their website. Let me know if it works for you as well as it has for me.

Peace, Love & Hugs,

Dorothy

If you liked this post and would like more love sent to your email box, join the LoveLetter Here. It's Free! Just the way love should be.

I remember being very small, looking up and down at the white built in bookcase in our old blue Victorian home. My eyes caught a book with a picture of a lion and stars, the title read "Astrology" I grabbed it off the shelf. I sat down on the floor and opened up the gold leafed edged crisp white pages. There were animals associated with each birthday. I quickly flipped the pages to look up my birthday, July 27th. There stood a picture of a beautiful lion. In astrology terms, I discovered I am a Leo. I was curious and started to read about what it means to be a Leo. Everything was true. I was fascinated by this. I asked my mom when her birthday was. I flipped through the pages once more to her birthday. She was a Taurus. I read what it meant to be a Taurus. This was also true. I went on to read every sign. Memorizing each of the date ranges that coordinated with each sign. I memorized the personality traits of each sign. I wanted to know more. Opening this book felt like I had opened up the key to understanding people. And growing up in a large family, being the middle child as well as being a bit of a oddball at school, for survival I had to understand people on a regular basis.

The older I got, the more I learned and the more interested in the subject I became. There's so much more to astrology than just your birthday or your sun sign. Your time of birth for instance, which can help make a completely unique chart. Your moon sign, which is your emotional state or your inner self. Your rising sign is how people interact or perceive you. I first learned about myself. Then I learned about other people."Mom what time was Izzy born?""I don't know. Look in his baby book."

My mother was a record keeper from day one for each of us. Everything from the moment she found out she was pregnant with us until we were young, was on record. Thoughts, doctor's visits, funny things that happened, memories we would want someday she wrote it all down. I looked through each of my siblings books and found the information I needed to know them better.

For me, this is one of the reasons I love astrology so much. I like to know about people. What makes them tick. What makes them happy. How do I approach them. For instance, I know not to press for details about something personal from a Capricorn or Scorpio. When they are ready, they will tell you what they want you to know. Or to never speak ill of a Cancer's mother, even if they speak against them. Or that the way to an Aquarius's heart is through friendship and their head. I feel with astrology I know where someone is coming from.As a child, astrology helped me navigate the scary world of adults, siblings and classmates. As an adult, astrology allows me to understand people. In a way, be one with them. Join them on their journey in life, even just for a brief moment. Astrology allows me the knowledge on how to be more compassionate towards someone without having to know the details of what's going on in their life.

I follow a few astrologers and numerologist every month. When they forecast, it's always on point. Their readings help me to navigate, although I do always listen to my intuition But it helps to have guidance on when to push and when to pull back. I've launched each of my companies, signed paperwork, traveled and so much more with the help of timing with astrology.

My go to astrologer for dates, monthly updates and birth charting is Suzanne Keating. She's a Nantucket Native, straight shooting, intuitive Sagittarius. She has a great newsletter that will help you know what to expect for the month. It's beautifully written and chock full of information. Also, she does full personal astrology and numerology readings. Click here for her website.

Kelley Rosano. I love this woman's forecasts. Monthly she posts a video for each sign. She's full of energy and she shows the sunny side of astrology. Her readings are meaty! Click here for her YouTube station.

Susan Miller of Astrology Zone. She has a monthly forecast that is almost always accurate. I have her app on my phone and I like to send her daily forecasts to friends for fun. Click here for her website.

I want you to have the chance to learn more about yourself through astrology. Check out the above astrologers. I know you'll find someone you love! Since Suzanne is my go to, we connected for you to win a mini sampling of her readings. This will be a mixture of astrology and numerology personalize reading for you. To enter, share this post via social media or comment below, bonus points if you mention your sun sign.

Peace, Love & Hugs,Dorothy

If you liked this post and would like more love sent to your email, join the LoveLetter Here. It's free! Just the way love should be.

I love me some yoga! I've been practing since I was little. Really, before I knew what yoga was. I would just stay in the poses and hangout. Then my mother gifted me with a yoga book and then a vhs. (Vhs is the older sibling to dvd). When I was in middle school, a woman would come in during our lunch break and a few of my friends would practice with her. After the class, I would bite into my peanut butter and jelly sandwich and the taste was unbelievably delicious! I came to the conclusion that yoga makes food taste better.

Now that I'm older I see that yoga makes everything better; my body, my mind, how I interact with myself and others, my relationships and so much more I can't even put into words. Yoga makes life better. This past spring, I went to India and was enrolled in the 200 hour teacher training at Rishikesh Yog Peeth. Incredible experience. Something I took away from this experience was to not lose my personal practice. We are better teachers when we live it and do it ourselves. I try to remember this everyday. Now I am teaching and it's brought so much joy to my life. I love the one on one experience of teaching privately and I love teaching in a dedicated space. My yoga home is Dharma Yoga Nantucket. I find with each class I learn something new about myself and about others. There are so many yoga benefits but I find, yoga finds people when they are ready. In India, I learned the path to yoga begins when you hit rock bottom. That's the true beginning of ones yogic path. How beautiful and truthful is that?!

For me, the path to teaching began during the Nantucket Yoga Festival. After I emerged from that weekend, I was in a love bubble! It was an unbelievable experience. If you want to experience the weekend for yourself, this year the festival will be July 8-10th 2016. There are some special passes as of now you may purchase. Use the code HOLIDAY and save $75. Click here to do so.

Giveaway

For today's giveaway, I want to share my practice with you. Someone will win a free private session with me. The session will include the asanas (poses) pranayamas (breathing techniques) a healing meditation and a few other items I'll cater to your needs. With today's technology, we don't need to be in the same room. So, if you live off of Nantucket you still qualify. To enter: share this post or comment below.

Peace, Love & Hugs,

Dorothy

If you liked this post and would like more love sent to your email box, join the LoveLetter Here. It's free! Just the way love should be.

I love manifesting and I love helping others manifest! It's a very uplifting feeling when you've helped someone receive. Especially when they think it's impossible. Nothing is impossible right! Manifesting is simple and easy once you know what to do. There are many different ways to manifest the things you want and desire.

For me, manifesting all began was I was very little. Growing up, we weren't allowed to talk in the car. There was six children...trust me, it made sense that my parents put this rule into place. So I would turn to my thoughts for entertainment. I would fantasize about everything. I found that the things I thought about, came true. Some of what I thought about came true for myself, other times it would come true for an adult. I thought this was magical, although I didn't understand what was happening. When we are young, it's easy to manifest because we are pure and innocent. We feel things with our whole being. Everything affects us deeply.

The way I manifest today is a combination of using my thoughts and something I discovered in my early 20s. When I would write something down, it came true. It has gotten to the point I can't even joke about something. If I write it down, it comes true. So I have to be careful with my words. For example, I had a friend that lost her mother when she was six years old to breast cancer and then she lost her dad suddenly right before New Years. It was shocking. And I felt for my friend. She is one of the most amazing people I know. Pure love! She's a joy to be around and she's taught me so much about what love is. I wanted to make her pain go away. So I wrote her a happy ending. I wrote a short story that included her falling in love, having a baby and traveling. I didn't send it to her. Within a year she was in love, pregnant and boy was she traveling! We were chatting one day and I told her about the story and she was amazed. It had all come true! I've done this for a few friends that are going through rough times.

So, manifesting for me happens a few different ways. I make sure I'm in a positive space, I ask for guidance and then I begin writing. Usually it's just a quick note and at the end I say "thank you thank you thank you!!!" This raises the vibration of the intention to gratitude and the feeling it's already happened.

For you to manifest: test out what works best for you. But remember, be in a positive place, wrap the intention with positive feelings (don't come from angry, desperation or fear). It's the feelings that help to manifest your desires. If you would like me to help you manifest, I have a free sign up sheet. Write your intention and I'll email you back what I write down for you. It certainly helps! Please remember though, you are I charge of your life. You have the power to change your circumstances. This is just an energetic boost. Click here to co-create with me!

Peace, Love & Hugs,

Dorothy

If you liked this post and would like more love sent to your email box, join the LoveLetter Here. It's free! Just the way love should be.

I like to be informed of what's going on in the world, but I strongly dislike watching the news. The news to me seems like the Debbie Downers of the world trying to ruin everyone's day. The happy stories are few and far between and the "news worthy" stories question the good within the world. Still, I want to know what's going on. That's where The Skimm goes in! I love this newsletter! It's the news, skimmed and shorten with a witty twist. They give you the current events in the time it takes to go to the bathroom in the morning (or less). And it's written in a way that is witty and wonderful that raises you up, not down. You'll be informed in all areas of current events worldwide.

Join today and you could win a trip to Hawaii! (They always have fun giveaways!) Click Here To Join

Peace, Love & Hugs,

Dorothy

If you liked this post and would like more love in your email box, join the LoveLetter Here. It's free! Just the way love should be.

Part 1 of beauty products was all about taking care of your skin. When it comes to beauty I believe it's your smile and happiness that make you attractive. The inside of a person can shine through. It doesn't matter how much makeup you wear, you can't cover up a mean person but a kind heart always shines through. For when you're feeling girly and want to bring out your best facial features, I do have products I love. I usually don't wear a lot. If I do, I like mascara, brow powder, bb cream and a red lipstick or lip gloss.

Mascara. My all time favorite that I have been wearing for years is Blinc. It's the only mascara that I've tried that doesn't make me look like a raccoon. What makes this mascara different is when the application dries, it makes little tubes around your lashes. Whenever I get my makeup done either for pleasure or for photoshoots, I bring my own mascara. The makeup artist usually falls in love with it because it's easy to apply, looks amazing on and it stays on. Bonus. It's easy to take off! A little warm water and a wee bit of pressure around the lashes does the trick.

Tarte. I love Tarte! Everything goes when it comes to Tarte. Vegan friendly, doesn't contain the nasty chemicals and helps your skin. I love the eye shadow palettes! I also have the eye primer in my makeup bag. I've tried each item that Tarte has to offer from eye liners to foundations to anything else you can think of. It all goes on beautifully!

Dr Jart. What's a bb cream? The bb cream tread began in Korea. A bb cream is an all in one; serum, moisturizer, primer, foundation and spf. Not all bb creams are equal. The look you want to achieve is effortless dewy skin. My go to for bb cream is Dr Jart. I have tried each one from this brand and I love them all. My favorite though is premium beauty balm spf 45. It's so simple for anytime of day, year round. I also love Dr Jart's bb mate. A contouring kit that is so easy to apply. Wonderful if you're looking for more coverage plus highlighting and contouring along with the Bb cream.

Red lipsticks/lip gloss

Day or night, I love red lipstick! Here are some of my favorites that I have found look great on everyone.

Buxom lipgloss. Red hot mama is my go to and looks beautiful on everyone. Great for daytime or evening.

Shiseido lacquer rouge. I use a lip brush or my fingers when applying this. It apples like a lipgloss but looks like lipstick. This color really lasts, just like a lip stain. Beautiful blue red that goes with many skin tones and looks amazing at night.

Nars lipstick. Classic red lip! This is a beautiful lipstick which you can apply lightly to the lips for daytime and layer for evening.

Have you ever had a moment where you feel you're exactly where you need to be at the moment you need to be there? Every now and then I am able to look to my past and be so grateful for the life I lead now. I wouldn't be in my present without my past. My cat Jack could be the thing I love most in this world. Everyday I am grateful I have him.

Finding Jack

While going to school in Florida, I was really missing my immediate family. I felt very lonely and that loneliness showed up in my waistline. I gained about 30 pounds of loneliness. At this time, I really wanted a little kitty to keep me company, except I really didn't have the time or the money for a pet. But, being the dreamer that I am, I wrote down what kind of kitty I did want. A few notables were; affectionate, loyal, playful and will travel well. (Much like what I want in a romantic partner.) About a week after I made this list I was looking into a new apartment and was walking out of the complex office to my car when I heard this tiny little meow coming from under my car. I got on my hands and knees and saw the smallest kitten I have ever laid my eye upon in my life. He started to run towards me still squeeking the whole way. I picked him up and said, "You're coming home with me!"

I ran into the office of the apartment complex and asked the ladies if he belong to anyone. They took one look at this tiny black kitten and then they looked at me like I had five heads. This kitten was covered in dry feces, he had one yellow eye and one blue eye that was under developed and he was no bigger than the palm of my hand.

One of the ladies looked at me and said, "Um, no, He doesn't belong to anyone." I was so happy. My prayers were answered. I took him immediately to the vet for the doctor to have a look at him. After our first doctor's visit, I immediately called my Mother and told her the good news. "Mom, you're finally a grandma! He is covered in fur and has four legs.""Oh no Dorothy!" My Mother replied."Mom, he is so cute and cuddly. God sent him to me. He's covered in poop but the doctor said with his special food that should clear up within a few months. He might have to have an eye taken out too. The doctor said it's a waiting game to see if the eye drops work. Mom, I've never loved anything more in my whole life!""Just wait to you have kids." My Mom said with a chuckle.

Jack may be the very best thing that ever happened to me. We have traveled this country together. He's been there when I felt all alone. He is the most loyal kitty I have ever met. When I come home, he greets me at the door. When I say it's time for bed, he runs up stairs and gets ready to be spooned. Even as I write this he's is sleeping by my side. He's my little man and my world is enriched having him in it.

Jack may be the best thing that ever happened to me but I think animals provide that feeling to people. Doesn't matter what type of animal, I personally can't help but love them!

If you have a little fur baby, I would love for you to win today's giveaway to Geronimo's on Nantucket. This is by far my favorite place to gather my pet supplies. The staff is incredible, helpful and they love animals. And if someone loves animals, they get an A in my book! Plus, their selection is incredible and if they don't have something, they are able to order the item for you. Plus, I'm a huge fan of shopping local. Check out their website HERE.

To win today's giveaway, share this post or comment below what you love most about your fur baby.

Peace, Love and Hugs,

Dorothy

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I'm known as a sex writer, so of course I would have sex be one of the 40 days of love! What's so wonderful about sex? For me, a few things. Firstly, the connection to our bodies. Sex in all forms allows us to connect to who we are at our core. If you want to truly enjoy the sex, you must first know yourself. Secondly, I love the connection to another person. Sex is an incredible form of trust, communication and openness between two people. How beautiful and freeing is that!Thirdly, the connection to the spiritual side. Whatever your beliefs, sex allows us to let go of our ego, which more often than not the ego slows us down. If we come from the spirit, life is effortless. I believe sex can afford people the effortlessness they seek if they would incorporate the spiritual side to sex. The fourth reason I love sex is for all the incredible health benefits! You burn more calories having sex, than you do running. Sex lubricates the joints. Sex can cure a headache. Sex boosts your immune system. It would seem sex is the super food we need and we don't even need a partner to be able to reap the benefits! How cool is that? And lastly, the fifth reason I love sex so much, it just feels good and natural. Like they say, "Sex is like pizza. Even when it's bad, it's good."

I have plenty of ways to make sex better for you and your partner if you have one. I'll write about them soon, join the LoveLetter to stay up-to-date. In the meantime, I would like to feature one of my favorite Goddess and sex toy peddlers, Kelley. If you're looking to broaden your sexual horizon or you're looking for a fun night with friends, give her a call or visit her website HERE. She is a Athena's GODDESS. I've hosted a few parties and each one is a blast! It's a comedy show mixed in with sex toys and novelties. You'll love it! I've seen every person have a good time during these parties; from a church going grandma to the free spirit hippy. I've booked a few birthday parties through her, bachelorette and just a ladies night get together for us Nantucket women folk that are here during the winter months.

Peace, Love and Hugs,Dorothy

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Since I was a little girl I've been obsessed with history. Maybe it's because the homes my family owned were older homes. Theybwere so old, you could smell the history. The youngest being a big blue Victorian house that was perfect for hide-and-seek. Maybe it's because I'm seventh generation on an island that prides itself on looking after and honoring its history. While traveling to other cities and towns, I often want to make sure I become versed in their history. From the coal-mining in Telluride to rum running in the Bahamas and right on to the story of the gods in India. It's all so fascinating to me.

Tomorrow I'll post on some of my travels but for today, I would love to talk about some of my favorite historic island sites and museums;

Nantucket Whaling Museum

There's nothing like a museum; endless discoveries of treasures. The whaling museum has treasures in every square inch. Even in the air. There's a beautiful display of whale bones hanging from the ceiling in the great hall.

Inside the Old Gaol. Bunks and a toilet.

The Old Gaol

If you're visiting me on island or I'm taking you around for a tour of the island, we will be stopping at the Old Goal, pronounced old jail. It's just what the name eludes to, an old jail. I love it!

The Three Bricks and Two White Houses.

I love the story of the three bricks and the two white houses on Main Street Nantucket and if you ever get the chance to visit the White House that is open to the public, do so. The story is this, Whaling merchant Joseph Starbuck built the three bricks one for each of his sons and the two white houses, one for each of his daughters. The wealth on the island during the whaling days was certainly mind blowing.

Do do you love history? I would love to hear about your favorite piece of history! Comment below.

Peace, Love & Hugs!

Dorothy

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Seeds, they are so little yet they mean so much. Seeds are life itself. A few reasons why I love seeds; growth that they provide, the health benefits and that they give us hope.

It may seem strange to add seeds to the list of 40 things I love but let me go further into detail of why I love them so much.

Growth that they provide

We need organic growth on Earth. Not only this, in my humble opinion there's nothing better than the beauty of nature. Wild flowers, green grass as far as the eye can see, trees that reach for the sun and stars. We need more of it. Seeds provide this. Nature always finds a way.

Health.

Seed cycling

Seeds are a food source that can help heal your body. If you're a woman, look into seed cycling. Eating different seeds at different points of the month that coordinate with the moon to help your own powerful female cycle. I love what seed cycling has done for my body, skin and soul! Research more and see what you can find. Look to the photo for a brief explanation on what to do.

Other seeds that I love, chia seeds. I've written about this wonder seed a few times. The benefits are out of this world! You could survive and thrive off of these seeds. Chia seeds provide omegas, it's a complete protein, combination of fiber and protein. Chia seeds help to cleanse the body. Chia seeds have anti-aging properties. And so much more! There was a study done where two groups of hikers climbed a mountain. One group could take with them any food sources they wanted. The other group, just chia seeds. The group that had chia seeds all finished the hike, unlike the other. Bonus, most of the chia seed group finished before the members of the other group. Add them to your everyday health care. A big thank you to Chef Seth Raynor for introducing these little bad boys into my life! Maybe someday see chia shots featured on The Pearl menu? They are the caviar of the veggie world.

Hope.

"Have faith the size of a mustard seed". Seeds are not big by any means, yet they can grown to something larger than life. Seeds provide hope to us because something so small can make a large impact. A seed is a universe unto itself. Be that of a seed. Allow yourself to be grounded and grow. No matter how far you go, or how big you grow, you make a difference in this world. Always.

Peace, Love & Hugs,

Dorothy

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How did this happen so fast? We're on day 25! Today, what I love is not smelling badly. Let me share my stink story with you. I remember when I started having to wear deodorant. I was getting ready for school and my mother told me I needed to put deodorant on. "No I don't!" I shouted back, because that's what pre-teen girls do. "You don't want the kids at school to start calling you Stinky Stover, do you?" They were already calling me Spider Dot and Dottylonglegs because I was so tall...so yeah, adding another nickname to the rotation was not ideal. I let out an "ugh", and stomped my way over to the bathroom to put on the deodorant. Honestly, since that day I've struggled with BO. And I'm not sure if it's because my mother planted the nickname within me or I just never noticed before how much I can stink, but it's certainly something I am self-conscious of. I had an ex-boyfriend who once told me I had stinky pits. I would like to chalk up his repulsion to my scent as a sign that our DNA was not compatible to provide optimized immunity for our future children. Works, right? Just go with me on that one. A good friend of mine owns a landscaping company here on the island, Dutra Designs. Her name is Emily, and she's a sweet, lovely Taurus that is happiest when her hands are in the dirt, or she's cooking up something special for those she cares for. She posted something on Facebook about Schmidt's Deodorant, saying that it's a natural deodorant and it's the only one she has found that works. Emily works long hours outside, in the elements, sweating everyday, and by the end of the day her underarms are fresh. That says a lot! I am trying to have my life be as chemical free as possible, especially since I've read a lot about the connection between the aluminum in traditional anti-perspirants and cancer. So I decided to try it. Boy, did my world change when I did! I tried the lavender sage, which to me smells like a spa treatment. Running around the island during the summer months, teaching yoga, walking my dog and dancing about, I maintained my freshness, and that freshness even lasted into the next day. That was huge, because I can smell something awful during the summer months! Just ask my ex-boyfriend. I've told a few people about this great product, including my older sister. She gave it a go and was impressed. This, too, says a lot because she's not easy to please when it comes to products.

Schmidt's different anti-stink scents. I've smelled them all:

Lavender Sage - smells like a spa treatment. So relaxing! This is the scent I use. Bergamot Lime - very fresh scent! Like springtime on Nantucket just after the rain. Cedarwood Juniper - woodsy scent and energizing. Ylang-Ylamg Calendula- Floral and soothing. Unscented- Great for those that are looking for a deodorant without having a scent.

GiveawayI would love for you to fall in love with Schmidt's as well! Enter to win today's giveaway by sharing this post or commenting below. Bonus points if you let me know why you should win this magical anti-stink cream! Make sure to check out their website here.

Peace, Love and Hugs,

Dorothy

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Continuing my education is so very important to me. I am always have a book I am into, learning something new or enrolled in a course. With online education we are able to broaden our horizons anywhere at anytime. We live in a time where everyone should be educated. In regard to how important education is, others have said it better than I what education affords the world. Here are some of my favorite quotes about education.

"Education is the most powerful weapon which we can use to change the world." - Nelson Mandela

"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character, that is the goal of true education."

- Martin Luther King

"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it." - Aristotle

"The purpose of education is to replace an empty mind with an open one." -Malcolm Forbes

"Children should be taught how to think, not what to think."

- Margaret Mead

"The highest result of education is tolerance." - Hellen Keller

Peace, Love & Hugs,

Dorothy

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One of my favorite pastimes is watching movies. It's been a big thing in my family for quite sometime. We love to have a movie night and "do backs" (rub each other's backs). We have every movie known to man in our home. Plus, We owned a movie theater on Nantucket, The Dreamland for multiple generations. So, movies has been in our blood. It was one of my favorite things to go to the movies. My first movie in the theater was Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. I knew every inch of that movie. I can still mimic the song in the beginning that Snow White sings. "I'm wishing..."

Some of my all time favorite movies that I could watch over and over again, in no particular order.

-Immortal Beloved

-Dangerous Beauty

-Spaceballs

-Casablanca

-Monty Python and the Holy Grail

-Labyrinth

-The Princess Bride

-The Last Unicorn

-Dodgeball

-Zoolander

I have so many more!

I want to hear from you, what are your favorite movies you could watch over and over again?

Peace, Love & Hugs,

Dorothy

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Network Spinal Analysis: Sometimes referred to as “Network Chiropractic” or “networking,” is a chiropractic technique that regards your body as a wholeintegrated system, not just bones. It taps into the body's own potential to heal itself.

My Review –I first heard of NSA from a fellow SOMM student (School for the Modern Mystic.) She mentioned that she felt her energy go through the roof and her heart open after one session. I was curious, so I took to Google and researched. I found someone in MA that was near my sister and booked an appointment. During the first session, she helped me with some of my hip issues. I had more range of movement than I had in years! After a few sessions, my mother saw me and said that something had changed about me. She noticed a difference. Which was a very cool feeling! I will say, the first few sessions can be tough because the day afterwards your body aches. Dr. Jennifer said it’s because your body is now becoming aware of that area. So true! NSA helps to bring awareness and your breath back into your body. Dr. Jennifer is in Massachusetts. (Mention my name and receive $100 off, making it $35 for your consultation, first session and follow up.

Emotion Code: The Emotion Code is a powerful and simple way to rid yourself of unseen baggage. Releasing trapped emotions often results in the sudden disappearance of physical problems, self-sabotaging habits, and recurring relationship difficulties.

My Review –What if getting rid of the pain in your body and in your life was as easy as swiping your fingers?…It can be! Emotion Code is something for everyone and everyone can do it. I’ll write more about this as I experience more. But so far I have released lingeringheartache, depression, residual grief, worry, feelings of helplessness, loss, betrayal, anger, guilt, anxiety and so much more. It sounds crazy, I know, but I have felt myself become lighter each time I do a session on myself. The book doesn’t cost a lot,and it’s something you can doyourself. Learn more here:

Massage: The rubbing and kneading of muscles and joints of the body with the hands, especially to relieve tension or pain.

My Review –If I could get a massage and/or have someone play with my hair everyday, I would! I love massages! There’s so much more to massages than the above definition. Not only does a massage relieve tension and pain, but massages help the body in the elimination process, can help youto lose weight, smooth your skin and drain the lymphatic system. I highly recommend Kim Bettincourt. Not only is the massage you will receive from her amazing, but she also uses aroma therapy. I would like to try the Sacral Cranial Therapy. Ask her about it. Here’s her website and contact information:

Acupuncture: A system of complementary medicine that involves pricking the skin or tissues with needles, used to alleviate pain and to treat various physical, mental, and emotional conditions. Originating in ancient China, acupuncture is now widely practiced in the West.

My Review –I’ve had sessions here and there, and I have found acupuncture to be amazing! It’s a great way to help balance and heal the body. Tiny needles are used, but in my opinion, do not hurt. My mother used an acupuncturist when she had severe Pulmonary Scarcoidosis, and it relieved many of her issues. She still speaks with great love, fondness, and gratitude of her long-term acupuncturist, the late Rachel ParrottoBudzynski.She credits Rachel with helping to save her life.

I recommend Tammy Belanger as your local acupuncturist. Here’s her website and contact information:

Reflexology: A system of massage used to relieve tension and treat illness, based on the theory that there are reflex points on the feet, hands, and head linked to every part of the body.

My Review –A few years ago, Wendi Murrell was finishing up her training for Reflexology. I had a friend who texted me and suggested that I might be interested in some sessions and forwarded me Wendi’s number. It was an incredible experience. It felt like a whole body massage and I could feel energy move though my body. Within one of the sessions she broke up a chronic cough from which I was suffering. At another appointment, she moved a Winter cold out of my system. (And she helped me with some of the issues I was having with my lady business.)She’s my go to when I am sick! Here’s her website and contact information:

Naturopathic medicine: (sometimes called "naturopathy") is a distinct system of primary health care that emphasizes prevention and the self-healing process through the use of natural therapies.

My Review –Years ago my mother was diagnosed with Pulmonary Sarcoidosis. She had scores of fleshy tumors in each lung. Crazy! At one point, doctors in Boston told her to make her arrangements if she didn’t go back on Prednisone, and oxygen at night. But, being my mother, she wasn’t going to just roll over and go “tits up” as she has said. Instead, she connected with a Naturopath who was helping my Uncle Joe. There was a major difference and change within my Mom in a few short months. At her next doctor’s visit, they couldn’t believe she was alive let alone thriving the way she was.

Cut to some years later when I was 19 years old, I became sick. My mother took me to the Naturopath and within a few months I was feeling and looking amazing! I highly recommend working with a Naturopath, especially for your diet. It’s a fact that cancer can not live in an alkaline body. My sister is finishing up her schooling and, come May 2016 she will be a full-on Doctor of Naturopathy! Yeah! If you would like to see her now, here is her contact information. I should warn you, the appointment is a commitment to your health and wellbeing. It’s not like a regular doctor’s visit where you’re in and out. I recently went for an appointment and I was there for over an hour…maybe even two. I love that they got a complete picture of who I was and came up with a plan that was specifically for me.

These are just some of the healing modalities I have experienced where I felt a difference in my body, mind and spirit. Our bodies have the power to heal themselves. Others can aid that, and I think it's a combination of many things, depending on our needs. Maybe it's all the above. Maybe it’s just a few sessions of one thing or another. Everything we need is on this planet. I believe that there are cures for every type of disease, cancer or alignment issue.We must become still and silent, listen to our bodies, be open to the possibilities, and believe in miracles.

Peace, Love and Hugs,Dorothy

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Which clothing item of yours makes you feel good when you put it on? For me, I love dresses and I also love my jammies. The second I get home, I am in my jam jams. It's as though I walk into the threshold of my home, up pops the jammies and I walk through said jammies and they are instantly on. Like something out of a syfy movie. It's worked out well that a nice chunk of my time is spent in yoga/workout clothes. These are acceptable public jammies.

If I'm not in my jammies, I prefer a dress. I have a feminine body, which in plain terms means curvy. Dresses instantly make me feel put together and they bring a smile to my face. I love to put on a pretty dress and maybe do a twirl around as though I were five. I feel more confidant and secure with myself in a dress. In short, I feel I just look my best in a dress. Plus, it's easy...almost likes jammies. In regard to dresses, you don't have to think about whether the top matches the bottom. Just throw it on and you're out the door. I do miss the days of old where people dressed up. I think most people look more attractive in suits and dresses. Dresses help women hide troublesome areas of their bodies. These troublesome areas are really just the parts that make a woman feel insecure about her body. Reality is there are no troublesome spots, only troublesome thoughts. A dress allows a woman to show off her best features, which reminds a woman how truly beautiful she is. So big, small or adverage, she looks amazing. I love that about dresses. It may seem trivial but its the little things in life that can turn a day around. A dress can do it for me.

What makes you feel good to wear? Maybe it's an old tshirt? Or maybe it's a full on suit or fancy dress? Anything you own that makes you feel comfortable gets the 'ok' in my book.

Peace, Love & Hugs,

Dorothy

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